A case of a dentinogenic ghost cell tumor in the mandibular molar region

Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) is a rare lesion regarded to be a variant of calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC). However, some investigators recommend that DGCT should be distinguished from COC, because DGCT shows more aggressive behavior than ordinary COC. DGCT trends to occur in elderly persons and is composed mainly of ameloblastoma-like solid epithelial nests containing numerous ghost cells and dentinoid tissue. In this report, we present a case of DGCT in the mandibular molar region.A 73-year-old woman was referred to us because of a tender tumor mass in the mandibular molar region. An elastic soft oval tumor, measuring 20×12 mm, was found in the gingiva near the lower left third molar. The covering mucosa of the lesion showed slight redness. On the panoramic X ray film, a clearly demarcated semicircular radiolucent lesion with many radiopaque spots was observed in the left side of the mandible. The lesion was excised under local anesthesia. The postoperative course was uneventful, with no recurrence.